Simon IELTS: Writing

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 1: The Tasks

Training Steps

1. Understand the task
2. Break the task into parts

   into smaller more manageable tasks: introduction + main paragraphs + conclusion.

3. Methods & techniques for different parts of the task

   practice those and improve our skills

4. Lots of practice

   practice a lot, repeat practice of the same method, the same way of doing things.

5. Feedback, measure progress

   By getting the feedback, you can measure your progress, and keep practicing in a more efficient way.

Step 1: Understand the task

• Write an essay
  • Minimum 250 words
  • 40 minutes
  • Universal topics [普遍问题]
  • 4 question types
• 4 scoring criteria
  1. Task response

     Have you answered the question? If you write something that isn’t really answering the question, you’ll get a lower score.

  2. Coherence and cohesion

     Basically means is your essay well organized, logically written and easy to follow.

  3. Lexical resource

     Good ideas and good vocabulary.

  4. Grammartical range and accuracy

Step 2: Break the task into parts

• 250 words
• 4 paragraphs
• about 13 sentences
  • Introduction: 2 sentences
  • Main Paragraphs: 5 sentences each
  • Conclusion: 1 sentence
• Timing: 40 minutes
  • Planning Time: 10 minutes
  • Introduction: 5 minutes
  • Main Paragraphs: 10 minutes each
  • Conclusion: 5 minutes

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 2: Introduction

• To become better at writing introductions, you need a method and you need to practice with the same method everytime you write an essay.
• By practicing the same method, you’ll become faster and more confident at writing in that way.

Method

• 2 sentences
  • introduce the topic
  • give a general answer

  • A longer introduction would be a waste of time. You can’t get a high score just from your introduction. In fact, if you want a higher score, you really need to focus on the main body paragraphs, that’s where the true content of your essay is, that’s where you answer the question.
  • Save as much time as you can for the main body paragraphs, don’t waste it doing the introduction.

• 5 minutes
• 30 - 40 words

Four types of question

1. Discussion
2. Opinion
3. Problem and solution
4. Two-part question

Example Introduction: Discuss

• Prompt:
  • Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone.
  • Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Plan:
  • Topic: study in groups or alone
  • Answer: sometimes better alone, usually better in a group
• Introduction
  • People have different views about the effectiveness of group study as opposed to working alone.

    Paraphrase.

  • While there are some benefits to studying independently, I believe that group work is usually more productive.

    • Cover both views and your own opinion.
    • By using ‘while’, I’ve compared and contrasted both sides of this issue I’ve mentioned.
    • There are benefits / advantages to doing something …

Example Introduction: Opinion

• Prompt:
  • Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes.
  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Plan:
  • Topic: community service for all teenagers
  • Answer: 3 choices:
    • agree
    • disagree
    • balanced opinion (when possible)
• Introduction
  • It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities.
  • [Agree]
    • I completely agree that this kind of scheme would be a good idea.
  • [Disagree]
    • In my opinion, it would be wrong to force teenagers to do any kind of unsalaried work.

      • paraphrase: force v.s. compulsory
      • paraphrase: unpaid v.s. unsalaried

  • [Balanced Opinion (when possible)]

    ‘Compulsory’ is a very strong word, either you must do it or you don’t have to do it. However, if we want to mention both sides, maybe we can do it like this.

    • While I disagree with the idea of making such programmes compulsory, I do believe that voluntary community service could benefit young people.

Example Introduction: Problem and Solution

We need cover the problems and the solutions, but we’re not going to give the exact problems and the exact solutions.

• Prompt:
  • Many criminals reoffend after they have been punished.
  • Why do some people continue to commit crimes after they have been punished, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?
• Plan:
  • Topic: criminals reoffend
  • Answer: several reasons, a variety of measures (governments, communities)
• Introduction

  I often begin a ‘Problem and Solution’ introduction with it is true that, because we can accept that the problem is true. We have a problem and it is true.

  • It is true that punishments do not always deter criminals from committing more crimes.
  • There are various reasons why offenders repeatedly break the law, but governments could certainly take steps to address this issue.

    • Notice I don’t give the reasons yet, and I don’t give the solutions or the steps. I’m just mentioning that there are various reasons and government could take steps.
    • paraphrase: repeatedly break the law v.s. continue to commit crimes
    • paraphrase: take steps to address this issue v.s. measures to tackle this problem

Example Introduction: Two-part question

In your main body, you’re going to write one paragraph about each of those questions.

• Prompt:
  • As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being.
  • What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
• Plan:
  • Topic: job satisfaction
  • Answer: several factors, unrealistic / impossible
• Introduction
  • Work plays a central role in our lives, and we would all like to feel fulfilled professionally.
  • While a variety of factors may lead to job satisfaction, it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to be happy at work.

Introduction Summary

1. A short introduction is better.
2. Write 2 sentences in 5 minutes [topic + answer].
   • introduce the topic
   • give a very general / overall answer to the question

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 3: Main Body Paragraphs

• 2 methods
• ideas, vocabulary, planning

• Main Body Paragraphs is the most important part of the essay, you need to plan them well before you start writing.
• The Main Body Paragraphs are going to be full of good ideas and vocabulary if you’ve planned them well, and to be well structured if you follow the 2 easy methods.

Brief

4 paragraphs essay

• 2 main body paragraphs
• 5 sentences in each
• 10 minutes each
• 90 to 100 words each

How to write a main body paragraphs

Type 1: Firstly / Secondly / Finally Paragraph

• Situation:
  • Any type of question where we have more than one idea or we need to give more than one idea.
• Essay types:
  • advantages
  • disadvantages
  • problems
  • solutions
• Prompt:
  • Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes.
  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• 3-minute plan (basic ideas):
  • [disagree for several reasons]
  • school timetable is full, no time for community service
  • students’ work in other subjects would be affected
  • teenagers might not want to do it (reluctant, no motivation)

  • This is a perfect plan for 'Firstly / Secondly / Finally’ Paragraph.
  • You plan the ideas first, then you look at what you’ve got and you decide whether it is just one idea that you’re developing or you have 2 or 3 ideas.

• Example:
  • There are several reasons why I would argue against having compulsory community service for secondary school students.
  • Firstly, the school curriculum is already full with important academic subjects, such as maths, science and languages. For example, I remember having an extremely busy timetable when I was at high school, and it would not have been possible to add to it.
  • Secondly, students’ performance in other subjects would be affected if valuable study time were taken by charity work or neighbourhood improvement schemes.
  • Finally, I believe that teenage students would be reluctant to take part in any programme of obligatory work, and this could lead to poor motivation and even bad behaviour.
• Summary:
  1. Topic sentence
  2. Firstly (5. explain more, or add example)
  3. Secondly
  4. Finally

  Try to write 5 sentences.

• Tips to remember:
  • Linking words do not help your ‘vocabulary’ score.

    • They are just linking and you don’t need to link in a complex way, that will not help your score.
    • Linking just needs to be clear and do the job of making your ideas easy to follow.

  • Examiners want to see ‘topic vocabulary’.

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Type 2: Idea / Explain / Example Paragraph

• Situation:
  • If we only have one idea for the paragraph, we have to explain it in more details.
  • one idea
  • a reason
  • an opinion
• Prompt:
  • Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes.
  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• 3-minute plan (basic ideas):
  • [voluntary (not compulsory) community service is positive]
  • students more motivated if they can choose
  • gain work experience, self confidence, skills
  • good for CVs, career, university admissions, employers

  • Remember when you finish your plan, look at the ideas you’ve got and think to yourself, are these 3 separate points or maybe just one point explained in detail.

• Example:
  • On the other hand, the opportunity to do voluntary community service could be extremely positive for high school students.
  • By making these programmes optional, schools would ensure that only motivated students took part.
  • These young people would gain valuable experience in an adult working environment, which could help to build their self confidence and enhance their skills.
  • Having such experience and skills on their CVs could greatly improve school leavers’ career prospects.
  • For example, a period of voluntary work experience might impress a university admissions officer or a future employer.
• Summary:
  1. Idea
  2. Explain (2 or 3 sentences)

     You’re going to explain in much more detail, because we only have one idea.

  3. Example

     The Example can change position, you can put the example right near the beginning and then explain it if you want. It doesn’t matter too much about the order of explaining and giving examples.

  Try to write 5 sentences.

• Tips to remember:
  • Linking words do not help your ‘vocabulary’ score.
  • Examiners want to see ‘topic vocabulary’.

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 4: Conclusions

2 Easy Rules

1. Never write anything new in your conclusion.

   • The conclusion should simply repeat or summarise what you’ve already said.
   • Never put any new information there, if so that is a surprise conclusion when you surprise the examiner with something new at the end.
   • Don’t save your opinion for the conclusion. if you’re asked to give your opinion, it should be clear throughout the whole essay what your opinion is, nothing new in the conclusion.

2. One sentence is enough: repeat, summarise

   Just repeat and summarise what you’ve already said in the rest of the essay.

Conclusion Technique

• Paraphrase the answer that you gave in your introduction.
  • Paraphrasing the introduction to write the conclusion.

  • You have already answered the question in the introduction in a general way.
  • You’ve explained that answer in the main body.
  • You just repeat what you’ve already said, but you should repeat / summarise it in a different way: paraphrasing with different words.

Examples of Different Essay Types

1. Discussion (+ opinion)
   • Prompt:
     • In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.
     • Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?
   • Introduction:
     • It is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent years. While I understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe that there are more benefits than drawbacks.
   • Conclusion
     • In conclusion, I would argue that the advantages of using video security systems in public places do outweigh the disadvantages.

     • Always start with ‘in conclusion’, there is no reason to start in any other way. It will not improve your score if you find another phrase to begin with.
     • Give your opinion because the question did ask ‘do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages’, the question was asking for your view.

2. Opinion
   • Prompt:
     • Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that support the state education system.
     • To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
   • Introduction:
     • Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need to contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this view.
   • Conclusion:
     • In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who choose private education.
3. Problem and solution
   • Prompt:
     • In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing.
     • What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.
   • Introduction:
     • It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.
   • Conclusion:
     • In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.
4. Two-part question
   • Prompt:
     • There are many different types of music in the world today.
     • Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?
   • Introduction:
     • It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern, international music.
   • Conclusion:
     • In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music.

Conclusion Sentences Summary

• One sentence
• No new information

  Just repeating or summarizing what you’ve said.

• Paraphrasing to show variety

  Also show variety in your vocabulary use. Although you’re not saying anything new, you’re expressing the same answer in a different way, and that’s good for your vocabulary score.

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 5: Planning

• Spend 10 minutes planning your essay.

  It seems like a long time to most people, but if you’ve got a good plan, it would be much easier to write an excellent essay. You can definitely do that in only 30 minutes if you have a good plan.

3 Step Essay Plan in 10 Minutes

• Prompt:
  • Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone.
  • Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

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• Step 1 & 2: reading & understanding and looking at the structure, counts for 3-4 minutes.
• Step 3: main body paragraphs counts for 6 minutes.

1. Read and understand the question

   • highlight / underline the key parts in the question
     • more effective
     • to study in groups
     • study alone
     • discuss both views
     • give your own opinion

2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

   1. Introduction: topic + answer
      • 2 sentences
      • introduce the topic and give a short general answer
        • topic: study in groups or alone
        • answer: sometimes better alone, usaually better in a group
   2. Body Paragraph 1
      • view / opinion: benefits of studying alone
   3. Body Paragraph 2
      • view / opinion: benefits of group study (my view / the view I agree with the most)
   4. Conclusion: repeat answer (the introduction)
      • answer: both have benefits, but I prefer group study

3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

   1. brainstorm, note down any ideas you have

      • When you’re brainstorming, you don’t need to organize the ideas and you don’t need to write full sentences. Don’t worry if later you think one of your ideas is a bad one.
      • At the brainstorm stage, you just note down anything that you can think of that’s relevant.

   2. develop ideas in detail

      Instead of just having a list of many different points, if you get either one or two or three ideas developed in more detail, it’s likely to lead to a better paragraph.

   3. keep asking yourself ‘why?’ (how do you develop your ideas in detail?)

      If you have an idea or a reason for something, an explanation for your opinion for example, keep asking yourself ‘why do I think this’ / ‘why I am saying this’ and that encourage you to go into more detail.

   4. think of examples to support your ideas
   5. try to group related ideas (by numbering them)

      When you’re brainstorming, you don’t need to worry about organization. But when all your ideas are down on paper, finally look at them, try and group them together and put numbers next to them, those numbers can represent the sentences that you’re going to write in your paragraph.

   • Body Paragraph 1: benefits of studying alone [sentence 1]
     • concentrate better, no distractions, focus on the tasks [sentence 2]
       • It’s easier to read when studying alone compared to if you’re in a group.
     • read books or articles [sentence 3-example]
     • study at own pace [sentence 5]
       • You can study quickly or slowly.
     • e.g. when revising for an exam [sentence 3-example]
     • memorise information [sentence 4]
   • Body Paragraph 2: benefits of group study [sentence 1]
     • more ideas, share knowledge gather more information [sentence 2]
     • e.g. do more research project [sentence 3-example]
     • learn from each other [sentence 2]
     • more motivating: responsibility to the group / sense of competition [sentence 4]

   • When writing the paragraph, you need to go through these numbers in order, and try to write a sentence for each one. It doesn’t work out perfectly like that, but at least now, you’ve got some good ideas and they are in some kind of organized order.
   • When you’ve put your points in order, you’re in a much better position to write them as a full paragraph sentence by sentence.
   • Prepare ideas for each main body paragraph separately. If you try to think of both main paragraphs at the same time, it just becomes confusing. So separate your planning time into 3 minutes for each paragraph.

Tips: Don’t expect to be good at this straight away, it does take practice, it might seem easy to plan in the way done in this lesson, but you don’t become good at this with only 1 or 2 attemps. You need to practice a lot, if you do lots of essays and plan them in this way, you will get better, so practice as much as possibe before your test.

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 6: Opinion Essay

• Opinion Essay
  • Do YOU agree or disagree?

    • It’s about your opinions or views, not others’.

  • For ‘do you agree or disagree essay’, your opinion needs to be clear from the beginning in the introduction, throughout the essay and repeated again in the conclusion.
  • You can use I or my.

    • ‘Yes, I agree or disagree’ or ‘In my opinion’, that’s the only way you can really answer the question and give your opinion.
    • If you don’t and if you try to use the passive and say something like ‘it is agreed that’, that doesn’t mean ‘I agree’, that means people agree, you have to answer the question by saying what you think.

Planning Steps

0. Prompt:
   • The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals.
   • To what extent do you agree or disagree?
1. Read and understand the question
   • highlight / underline key parts
2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
   1. Introduction: topic + answer
      • topic: government spending
      • answer: public services instead of space projects
   2. Body Paragraph 1
      • explain why space spending should be stopped
   3. Body Paragraph 2
      • explain why public service spending is better
   4. Conclusion: repeat answer (the introduction)
      • answer: spend on services that benefit us all
3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   • Body Paragraph 1: why space spending should be stopped [sentence 1]
     • waste of money when projects fail [sentence 4]
     • expensive (scientists, facilities, equipment) [sentence 2]
     • no benefit to normal people, politicians showing power [sentence 3]
     • risk of accidents, deaths [sentence 4]
     • e.g. Challenger space shuttle [sentence 5]
   • Body Paragraph 2: why public service spending is better [sentence 1]
     • cheaper e.g. doctors, teachers police instead of astronauts [sentence 2]
     • public services impact on everyone [sentence 3]
     • reduce poverty, better quality of life [sentence 5]
     • we all use schools, hospitals, police, roads etc. [sentence 4]

       This example goes with public services impact on everyone.

Essay Example

• Introduction: public services instead of space projects

  • Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration programmes.
  • I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be allocated to public services.

• Main Body Paragraph 1: why space spending should be stopped

  • There are several reasons why space programmes should be abandoned.
  • Firstly, it is extremely expensive to train scientists and other staff involved with space missions, and facilities and equipment also come at a huge cost to the government.
  • Secondly, these programmes do not benefit normal people in our daily lives; they are simply vanity projects for politicians.
  • Finally, many missions to space fail completely, and the smallest technological error can cost astronauts their lives.
  • The Challenger space shuttle disaster showed us that space travel is extremely dangerous, and in my opinion it is not worth the risk.

• Main Body Paragraph 2: why public service spending is better

  • I believe that the money from space programmes should go to vital public services instead.
  • It is much cheaper to train doctors, teachers, police and other public service workers than it is to train astronauts or the scientists and engineers who work on space exploration projects.
  • Furthermore, public servants do jobs that have a positive impact on every member of society.
  • For example, we all use schools, hospitals and roads, and we all need the security that the police provide.
  • If governments reallocated the money spent on space travel and research, many thousands of people could be lifted out of poverty or given a better quality of life.

    lift people out of poverty

• Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all

  • In conclusion, my view is that governments should spend money on services that benefit all members of society, and it is wrong to waste resources on projects that do not improve our everyday lives.

• Band 7-9 Vocabulary

  • space programme: exploration, missions, projects, travel, research
  • funds should be allocated
  • should be abandoned
  • facilities and equipment also come at a huge cost
  • vanity projects for politicians
  • cost astronauts their lives
  • space shuttle disaster
  • public servants
  • a positive impact on every member of society
  • if governments reallocated
  • could be lifted out of poverty
  • given a better quality of life

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 7: Discussion Essay

Planning Steps

0. Prompt:
   • Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.
   • Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
1. Read and understand the question
   • highlight / underline key parts
2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
   1. Introduction: topic + answer
      • topic: competition or co-operation
      • answer: benefits of both, co-operation more important
   2. Body Paragraph 1
      • why encourage competition
   3. Body Paragraph 2
      • why teach co-operation (my view)
   4. Conclusion: repeat answer (the introduction)
      • answer: accept both views, co-operation better
3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   • Body Paragraph 1: why encourage competition
     • motivation to work harder [sentence 1]
     • work harder, be better than other children [sentence 2]
     • self confidence, independent work, faster progress [sentence 3]
     • competitive situations when leave school e.g. job interviews [sentence 4]
     • prepared for adult life [sentence 5]

     Instead of having separate ideas, these are related ideas going step by step through ‘why competition is a good thing for children’.

   • Body Paragraph 2: why teach co-operation (my view)
     • co-operation even more important [sentence 1]
     • e.g. at work (teams, follow boss’s instructions, help junior staff) [sentence 2]
     • collaboration more useful than winning [sentence 3]
     • better attitude for young people [sentence 4]
     • working together [sentence 5]

Essay Example

• Introduction: benefits of both, co-operation more important

  • People have different views about whether children should be taught to be competitive or co-operative.

    Just changing the words, makes your introduction slightly differently from the question.

  • While a spirit of competition can sometimes be useful in life, I believe that the ability to co-operate is more important.

    • Using ‘while’ sentence because you can contrast 2 different things in the same sentence.
    • I’ve mentioned both views and my opinion all in the introduction. I’ve covered everything the question asks me to cover.

• Main Body Paragraph 1: why encourage competition? - motivation

  • On the one hand, competition can be a great source of motivation for children.
  • When teachers use games or prizes to introduce an element of competitiveness into lessons, it can encourage children to work harder to outdo the other pupils in the class.

    introduce an element of competitiveness into lesson = bring competition into the classroom

  • This kind of healthy rivalry may help to build children’s self confidence, while pushing them to work independently and progress more quickly.
  • When these children leave school, their confidence and determination will help them in competitive situations such as job interviews.
  • It can therefore be argued that competition should be encouraged in order to prepare children for adult life.

• Main Body Paragraph 2: why teach co-operation (my view)

  • On the other hand, it is perhaps even more important to prepare children for the many aspects of adult life that require co-operation.

    Although competition is sometimes useful, there many more times in life, many aspects of adult life that require co-operation.

  • In the workplace, adults are expected to work in teams, follow instructions given by their superiors, or supervise and support the more junior members of staff.
  • Team collaboration skills are much more useful than a competitive determination to win.
  • This is the attitude that I believe schools should foster in young people.
  • Instead of promoting the idea that people are either winners or losers, teachers could show children that they gain more from working together.

• Conclusion: accept both views, co-operation better

  • In conclusion, I can understand why people might want to encourage competitiveness in children, but it seems to me that a co-operative attitude is much more desirable in adult life.

• Band 7-9 Vocabulary

  • competition / co-operation, competitive, co-operative, co-operate, competitivenes
  • a spirit of competition
  • a source of motivation
  • introduce an element of competitiveness
  • outdo other pupils, healthy rivalry
  • build self confidence, determination
  • aspects of adult life
  • superiors, junior members of staff
  • team collaboration skills
  • attitude that schools should foster
  • promoting the idea
  • a co-operative attitude is more desirable

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 8: Problem and Solution Essay

Planning Steps

0. Prompt:
   • In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.
   • What do you think are the causes of this?
   • What solutions can you suggest?
1. Read and understand the question
   • highlight / underline key parts
2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
   1. Introduction: topic + answer
      • topic: student behaviour in schools
      • answer: variety of reasons, steps can be taken to tackle
   2. Body Paragraph 1
      • causes of bad student behaviour
   3. Body Paragraph 2
      • my suggested solutions
   4. Conclusion: summarize the problem and steps
      • answer: summarize the problem and steps

      This means that you have to wait until you’ve planned your main body paragraph ideas before you can summarize the causes and steps. We’ll be able to do that better when we’ve done the rest of the plan.

3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   • Body Paragraph 1: causes of bad student behaviour [sentence 1]
     • parents not strict (too lenient) [sentence 2]

       the lack of strict discipline have on children

     • children don’t accept teachers’ instructions or school rules [sentence 3]
     • teachers’ fault, no control, bad classroom management [sentence 4]
     • influence of celebrities [n.名人，明星；名声] who are a bad example [sentence 5]

     We’re blaming 3 different groups of people: the parents, the teachers and the celebrities. This looks like a perfect example of ideas for ‘Firstly-Secondly-Finally’ paragraph.

   • Body Paragraph 2: my suggested solutions [sentence 1]
     • parents set rules for children [sentence 2]
     • use punishments, actions have consequences [sentence 3]
     • schools train teachers and parents, discipline techniques, better communication [sentence 4]
     • famous people act as role models [sentence 5]

Essay Example

• Introduction: variety of reasons, steps can be taken to tackle

  • It is true that the behaviour of school pupils in some parts of the world has been getting worse in recent years.

    I often begin with ‘it is true that’ when we have a problem in solution question, because you want to accept first that the problem is true, then we can paraphrase some of the things from the questions.

  • There are a variety of possible reasons for this, but steps can definitely be taken to tackle the problem.

    So we haven’t given any reasons or steps yet, that will come in the main body paragraph. We just introduced the fact that there are different reasons and a variety of solutions or steps.

• Main Body Paragraph 1: causes of bad student behaviour

  • In my opinion, three main factors are to blame for the way young people behave at school nowadays.
  • Firstly, modern parents tend to be too lenient [adj.宽大的，仁慈的] or permissive [adj.宽大的；放任的；自由的；容许的].
  • Many children become accustomed to getting whatever they want, and they find it difficult to accept the demands of teachers or the limits imposed [v.推行，强制实行；使遭受；勉强] on them by school rules.
  • Secondly, if teachers cannot control their students, there must be an issue with the quality of classroom management training or support within schools.
  • Finally, children are (strongly / greatly) influenced by the behaviour of celebrities, many of whom set the example that success can be achieved without finishing school.

• Main Body Paragraph 2: my suggested solutions

  • Student behaviour can certainly be improved.
  • I believe that the change must start with parents, who need to be persuaded that it is important to set firm rules for their children.
  • When children misbehave or break the rules, parents should use reasonable punishments to demonstrate that actions have consequences.

    • bad actions have serious consequences

  • Also, schools could play an important role in training both teachers and parents to use effective disciplinary [adj.有关纪律的；惩戒性的] techniques, and in improving the communication between both groups.
  • At the same time, famous people, such as musicians and football players, need to understand the responsibility that they have to act as role models to children.

  We didn’t want to write ‘Firstly-Secondly-Finally’ paragraph again, so we use ‘Start with-Also-At the same time’ as a way of showing where we are in the paragraph, use these words to link instead.

• Conclusion: summarize the problem and steps

  • In conclusion, schools will continue to face discipline problems unless parents, teachers and public figures set clear rules and demonstrate the right behaviour themselves.

    We have repeated the problem of discipline, and we’ve mentioned those 3 groups who we thought are part of the problem but could be the solution.

• Band 7-9 Vocabulary

  • steps can be taken to tackle the problem

    A sentence that can be used in any Problem and Solution Essay.

  • three main factors are to blame

    A sentence that can be used in any Problem and Solution Essay.

  • parents tend to be too lenient or permissive (merciful)
  • children become accustomed to
  • limits imposed on them
  • quality of classroom management
  • celebrities, famous people, public figures
  • set an example
  • set firm rules, reasonable punishments
  • play an important role in
  • effective disciplinary techniques
  • responsibility to act as role models
  • face discipline problems

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 9: Two-Part Question Essay

Planning Steps

0. Prompt:
   • News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers.
   • What factors do you think influence these decisions?
   • Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if more good news was reported?
1. Read and understand the question
   • highlight / underline key parts
2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
   1. Introduction: topic + answer
      • topic: decisions about news stories
      • answer:
        1. variety of factors
        2. yes too much bad news
   2. Body Paragraph 1
      • factors that influence news editors
   3. Body Paragraph 2
      • too much bad news, should report more good
   4. Conclusion: repeat answer (the introduction)
      • answer: difficult news choices, more positive news
3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   • Body Paragraph 1: factors that influence news editors [sentence 1]
     • interest or attract viewers / readers [sentence 2]
     • inform the public, important issues and events, in the public interest [sentence 3]
     • pressure from owners, promote political views [sentence 4]

     • When I saw the word factors. I immediately start to think of a ‘Firstly-Secondly-Finally’ paragraph.
     • Because we’ve only got 4 sentences at the moment, one of those 3 points needs to be ideally written in 2 sentences in order to have 5 sentences overall.

   • Body Paragraph 2: too much bad news, should report more good [sentence 1]
     • accustomed to bad news [sentence 1]
     • war, crime, natural disasters, human suffering [sentence 2]
     • desensitises us, cynical about the world [sentence 3]

       • the effects or results of bad news
       • desensitise [v.使脱敏]: makes somebody not sensitive
       • cynical [adj.愤世嫉俗的；怀疑的；见利忘义的]

     • prefer positive news, e.g. medical workers, volunteers, kindness [sentence 4]
     • news to inspire us [sentence 5]

Essay Example

• Introduction: variety of factors, yes too much bad news

  • It is true that editors have to make difficult decisions about which news stories they broadcast or publish, and their choices are no doubt influenced by a variety of factors.

    no doubt influenced = certainly influenced = undoubtedly influenced

  • In my opinion, we are exposed to too much bad news, and I would welcome a greater emphasis [n.强调，重要性] on good news.

• Main Body Paragraph 1: factors that influence news editors

  • Editors face a range of considerations when deciding what news stories to focus on.
  • Firstly, I imagine that they have to consider whether viewers or readers will be interested enough to choose their television channel or their newspaper over competing providers.

    choose something over = choose instead of

  • Secondly, news editors have a responsibility to inform the public about important events and issues, and they should therefore prioritise stories that are in the public interest.
  • Finally, editors are probably under some pressure from the owners who employ them.
  • For example, a newspaper owner might have particular political views that he or she wants to promote.

• Main Body Paragraph 2: too much bad news, should report more good

  • It seems to me that people do become accustomed to negative news.
  • We are exposed on a daily basis to stories about war, crime, natural disasters and tragic human suffering around the world.
  • I believe that such repeated exposure gradually desensitises people, and we become more cynical about the world and more sceptical that we can do anything to change it.
  • I would prefer to see more positive news stories, such as reports of the work of medical staff after a natural disaster, or the kindness of volunteers who help in their communities.
  • This kind of news might inspire us all to lead better lives.

• Conclusion: difficult news choices, more positive news

  • In conclusion, it must be extremely difficult for editors to choose which news stories to present, but I would like to see a more positive approach to this vital public service.

    Remember paraphrasing is a very useful skill, which is considered to be a sign of someone with a high level of language knowledge. Being able to paraphrase is certainly a good thing.

• Band 7-9 Vocabulary

  • exposed to bad news
  • welcome a greater emphasis on good news
  • Editors face a range of considerations
  • prioritise stories that are in the public interest
  • under some pressure from the owners
  • promote particular political views
  • become accustomed to negative news
  • natural disasters and tragic human suffering [n.痛苦；受苦]
  • exposure gradually desensitises people
  • cynical and sceptical
  • inspire us all to lead better lives
  • a more positive approach
  • vital public service

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 10: Extra Help for ‘Agree or Disagree’ Questions

The difficult thing about ‘Agree or Disagree Essay’ is that you have to decide what your opinion is before you start writing, you have to decide whether you agree / disagree / partially agree.

Example 1: Strong Opinion - Agree

• Prompt:
  • The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals.
  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Opinion: Agree

• In the lesson, I said ‘I agree’ with this statement, so this will be an agree essay (a strong opinion essay) persuading the examiner that my point of view is right.
• I’m not going to write about the other side of the argument about diagreeing, because that would contradict my opinion.
• I’m not going to talk about what other people think (the opposite opinion), because that would be a discussion essay.

• Introduction: public services instead of space projects
  • Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration programmes.
  • I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be allocated to public services.

  I’ve got two things to talk about why I agree: these are a waste of money & the funds should be allocated to public services.

• Main Body Paragraph 1: why space spending should be stopped
• Main Body Paragraph 2: why public service spending is better

  Notice that I’m not giving the opposite opinion, I’m giving 2 reasons for my strong opinion.

• Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all
  • In conclusion, my view is that governments should spend money on services that benefit all members of society, and it is wrong to waste resources on projects that do not improve our everyday lives.

  Just repeating the ideas: I think we should spend money on public services instead of space programs.

• Summary:
  • I’ve agree completely.
  • I’ve given 2 reason why I agree, and I haven’t discussed what other people think or given the other side of the argument.
  • To do your main paragraphs, if you have a strong opinion, just try to do that, find 2 reasons to support your opinion.

Example 2: Strong Opinion - Disagree

• Prompt:

  • Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable.
  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?

• Opinion: Disagree

• Introduction:

  • Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge.
  • Personally, I believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the statement that hobbies need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.

• Main Body Paragraph 1: explain why easy hobbies can be enjoyable

• Main Body Paragraph 2: explain why difficult hobbies can be fun

• Conclusion: disagree that difficult hobbies are better

• Tips:

  • You need to look at the specific question to decide what’s the best way to do it.
  • In this case by disagreeing, I can look at both types of hobby, then I had finished off in the conclusion.

In strong opinion essay (Agree / Disagree), I would give 2 reasons why I agree or 2 reasons why I disagree (2 reasons for my opinion).

Example 3: Partly Agree

• Prompt:
  • Many people say that we now live in ‘consumer societies’ where money and possessions are given too much importance.
  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Opinion: Partly Agree
• Introduction:
  • It is true that many people criticise modern society because it seems to be too materialistic.
  • I agree with this to some extent, but I do not think it is the case that everyone is a victim of consumer culture.

  The phrase to some extent means partly agree.

• Main Body Paragraph 1: I believe many people do focus too much on money.

  Give examples and reasons to support that.

• Main Body Paragraph 2: However, many others are not money oriented.

  Not everyone is interested only in money.

• Conclusion: partly argee with the original question statement.
• Tips:
  • This looks like a discussion essay, but I’m not talking about what some people think and what other people think. I’m talking about what I think and in both of these main body paragraphs: I believe many people do focus too much on money, but I believe that other people are not so interested in money.
  • It’s all from my point of view, it’s all my opinion explaining why I partly agree.

Example 4: Partly Agree

• Prompt:
  • In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was “a giant leap for mankind”. However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives.
  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Opinion: Partly Agree
• Introduction:
  • It is often argued that the act of sending a man to the moon has been of no benefit to normal people.
  • While I agree that this is true in practical terms, I believe that the psychological [adj.心理的；精神上的] impact of this great achievement should not be underestimated.

  • while it is true that: one part of my opinion
  • I believe that: the other part of my opinion
  • It’s not the other side of the argument, it’s not what different people think, it is the other part of my own opinion.
  • 部分同意答案：2个主体段的观点，并非是题目论点（某些人认为…，但另一些人认为…）的正反两面，而分别是自己观点的一部分。

• Main Body Paragraph 1: no benefit in practical terms (standard of living, health)
• Main Body Paragraph 2: but it was an inspiring achievement
• Conclusion: partly argee
• Tips:
  • Hope the lesson helps you to decide whether agree, disagree or partly agree. When you’ve made the decision depending on the question, what to put in your main body paragraphs.
  • This takes practice, you need to practice this to become good at it. But if you keep going with the method, try and do what I’ve done in this lesson, you will get better.

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Writing Task 2 Lesson 11: Course Summary

Summary

• Understand the task
• Break the task into parts
  • planning
  • introduction
  • main body
  • conclusions
• 4 types of question
  • Opinion
  • Discussion
  • Problem and Solution
  • Two-part Question

Tips

• Exam methods and techniques
  • use this video course
• General level of English
  • use the blog

  • Method and techniques are very important, but they alone will not get you a high IELTS score. You also need to work on your general level of English.
  • If you put the techniques which being teached in the video lessons together with your overall level of English which you’re working on every day, that’s the secret to improving your IELTS score.